We are being tested-Baird

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New South Wales Premier Mike Baird along with Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione briefed media Monday about the ongoing hostage situation inside a Lindt chocolate cafe in Sydney, Australia.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW SOUTH WALES PREMIER MIKE BAIRD , SAYING

"We are being tested today in Sydney. The police are being tested, the public is being tested, but whatever the test, we will face it head on. And we will remain a strong, democratic civil society."

There is an unknown number of people inside the cafe. Police said there is at least one hostage taker but that they do not yet have communication with the person.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEW SOUTH WALES POLICE COMMISSIONER ANDREW SCIPION, SAYING

"At this stage the operational advice that I've got